14 Storylines That Hurt The Show (And 15 That Saved It)

FOX will get loads of criticism for his or her hair-trigger tendencies to cancel packages earlier than they get the right probability to develop, however additionally they take possibilities on tons of unconventional sitcoms and supply a house for comedies that wouldn’t be given a chance anyplace else. No community is ideal, however FOX has prided themselves on innovation for a while and it’s a part of the rationale why a sitcom like That ‘70s Show would be given a chance in the first place. The comedy started as a simple sitcom that used the backdrop of the ‘70s as a fun playground and engine for humor, but over time it transformed into one of the network’s hottest and long-running live-action comedies.

That ‘70s Show was a serious hit for FOX that almost ran for a decade on the community, however it additionally served as a launching pad for tons of rising expertise, with a lot of the names from the forged now being main celebrities. Regardless of the success and lengthy life that That ‘70s Show noticed, like all long-running collection, it was prone to its share of ups and downs within the story division. Accordingly, Right here Are 14 Storylines From That ‘70s Show That Hurt The Show (And 16 That Saved It)!

29 Saved: The Musical Episode

That ‘70s Show was always very musical in nature. The characters within the show loved music, the decade was important for the medium, and even the show’s interludes and bumps between scenes have been sometimes musical in nature. The present had experimented with musical fantasy sequences prior to now, however That ‘70s Show determined to push this idea to the restrict in a musical episode.

This type of endeavor might be awkward for some exhibits, however this collection all the time had a little bit of a spread present aesthetic, which this utterly performs into and makes work.

28 Hurt: Hyde Learns His Dad Isn’t Truly His Dad…

Hyde is usually portrayed because the runt and regardless that his damaged residence can typically be a supply of humor for the collection, That ‘70s Show also turns up the melodrama every now and then. A major element of Hyde’s character is his relationship together with his mother and father—or lack thereof. Hyde’s damaged bond together with his dad is an enormous hurdle for him to recover from, however then the present decides to ostensibly repeat this storyline and do all of it once more.

Hyde ultimately learns that his less-than-great dad wasn’t his actual dad and he then will get an opportunity to satisfy his precise father. It’s sensitive materials that doesn’t actually progress the character’s progress a lot.

27 Saved: The Star Wars Tribute Episode

One of many largest cultural occasions for nerds within the late 70s was the discharge of George Lucas’ Star Wars: A New Hope. That 70s Show knew that a geeky excessive schooler like Eric can be a colossal fan, in order that they determine to mark the movie’s launch with an enormous occasion episode that principally turns Eric into his personal Luke Skywalker.

There’s such love and keenness current on this send-up to Star Wars and it got here at a time the place the present’s presence wasn’t all the time in overdrive. It’s a enjoyable strategy to honor a movie that might have been essential to those characters.

26 Hurt: Leo’s Historical past And Fall From Grace

It may be a troublesome line to tow when a broad joke is on the fence of being value doing or not. Within the case of a very ridiculous gag used to elucidate Leo’s present “slacker” way of life, it’s clear what the present was going for right here, nevertheless it simply doesn’t land. That 70s Show reveals that in Leo’s previous he truly had a profitable life as a businessman and acclaimed warfare veteran. Nevertheless, in the future Leo decides to attempt a sure substance as soon as and it utterly derails his life.

That is all alleged to play into Tommy Chong’s Cheech and Chong historical past, nevertheless it simply does not actually make sense and misrepresents substance points.

25 Saved: Kelso Ending Up With Eric’s Sister, Laurie

Through the first few seasons of That ‘70s Show where the comedy was still finding its feet, there were clear growing pains in sight. One of these areas was Kelso’s secret relationship with Laurie Forman. Kelso was in a relationship with Jackie on the time, however in some ways, he was torn between these two ladies.

This definitely depicts a extra immature aspect of Kelso, however it causes him to study some issues about relationships within the course of. It’s additionally a continuing supply of grief for Eric, which is all the time enjoyable.

24 Hurt: “Donna’s Story” Relationship Venting

Through the interval within the collection when Donna and Eric are damaged up, That ‘70s Show dips its toe in a few storylines that are fairly vengeful and off-key for what’s sometimes a carefree comedy. Donna chooses to make use of the varsity paper to principally air out all of her soiled laundry with Eric by means of a brief story. This turns Eric right into a pariah on the faculty and he will get chastised when he makes an attempt to defend himself.

Moreover, Donna exhibits no sympathy for Eric throughout these assaults after which when he chooses to do the identical factor together with his writing, she completely dislikes him for it. It’s misguided throughout the board.

23 Saved: Eric Works With Pink At PriceMart

That ‘70s Show wanted Eric Forman to be the typical American teenager in many respects. He’s not some spoiled baby and accordingly he has to seek out his means and tackle numerous demeaning jobs earlier than he will get his life collectively. A few of these odd jobs are extra depressing than others, however the collection finds a candy spot with Eric’s employment woes when he begins up at PriceMart and works alongside his father.

Eric’s reluctant time at PriceMart permits him and Purple to bond in an entire new type of approach and it legitimately causes them to understand one another extra. It’s a job that doesn’t final, however it’s nonetheless essential.

22 Hurt: Kelso Turns into A Cop

Character improvement is usually an excellent factor in a sitcom, since they do are typically automobiles of stasis the place not a lot is allowed to vary through the years. Kelso goes by way of an identical progress of character that results in him taking over an actual job, it simply occurs to be a police officer.

Kelso’s progress right into a cop is definitely humorous and he strikes on this course for altruistic functions, nevertheless it actually doesn’t make a lot sense how he will get the job. Moreover, Kelso repeatedly breaks the regulation after he turns into a cop, resulting from his negligence, and there are by no means actual penalties for any of it.

21 Saved: Introduction Of Casey Kelso

It was a daring transfer when the collection launched Michael Kelso’s brother, Casey, as Donna’s new love curiosity, however it was a choice that turned an entire lot extra palatable because of the addition of Luke Wilson within the position.

Casey Kelso is actually the anti-Kelso and Luke Wilson actually excels on this multi-episode visitor arc. It’s such a sensible transfer to make Michael’s brother an enthralling particular person slightly than simply an echo of himself. Casey’s keep on the present not solely fleshes out Michael’s household extra and highlights that there are competent members in his household, however it’s additionally essential for Donna.

20 Hurt: Eric And Donna Break Up

Tales thrive on battle and tv exhibits generally tend to concentrate on “will they/won’t they” relationships to gasoline a whole lot of that drama. After Eric and Donna get collectively, lots of that rigidity is understandably gone. The collection decides to stir issues up by throwing a wrench of their grand romantic plan and the 2 break up after Eric tries to maneuver issues up one other degree.

This type of path is typical for a sitcom, however contemplating that Eric and Donna get again collectively, it finally looks like an pointless step. The characters study lots via this, however there’s no purpose why additionally they couldn’t have completed so whereas collectively.

19 Saved: Hyde’s Half-Sister, Angie

In the direction of the top of That ‘70s Show, Hyde goes by means of a little bit of a familial disaster that sees him shaking the branches of his household tree and determined for solutions. Hyde learns that one other man is definitely his dad and, with this information, involves the bigger revelation that he additionally has a half-sister named Angie.

It’s so endearing to observe Hyde get to behave like a protecting brother to his sister and to see him get a style of that wholesome household way of life. It’s an awesome dynamic on the present and there’s enjoyable chemistry between them, however sadly, Angie doesn’t completely stick round.

18 Hurt: The Fixed Vandalizing Of The Water Tower

One of many extra iconic places from That ‘70s Show was Point Place’s water tower, the place the gang would typically congregate to consider life’s bigger questions. So far as antiestablishment teen hangout spots go, the water tower was good, nevertheless it additionally establishes a reasonably unrealistic, harmful setting inside the present. The water tower is simply a spot of hassle.

To start with, the gang has vandalized the water tower numerous occasions. It will probably result in grand gestures, however it’s additionally unlawful on the finish of the day. Moreover, a number of characters have fallen off the water tower, which ought to result in critical accidents, if not demise. The present performs it for laughs.

17 Saved: Kelso Leaves

It’s all the time troublesome when characters exit tv exhibits, particularly once they’re one of many extra in style ones within the forged. The lack of Michael Kelso was definitely a serious loss for That ‘70s Show, but it allowed the character to properly complete his arc and experience some real closure. Kelso is debatably the show’s most irresponsible character, however within the collection’ ultimate seasons, he actually grows up after he finally ends up fathering a toddler.

Kelso steps as much as the plate, will get a correct job, and his exit marks the evolution of this man-child into somebody who’s considerably competent. The lack of Kelso additionally stings an entire lot much less as a result of no one replaces him.

16 Hurt: The Gang’s Remedy And Fez’ Relationship With “Big Rhonda”

Individuals have been understandably rather less cautious with their phrases again within the 1970s, however the best way through which That ‘70s Show handles the character of “Big Rhonda” nonetheless feels regrettable on about each degree. “Big Rhonda” is an unpopular woman that goes to the identical highschool as everybody else. It looks like the one purpose that she’s unpopular is due to her bigger measurement, however the present turns her into an outcast.

All of this looks like a drastic overreaction that wouldn’t fly at this time, particularly since they name her “Big Rhonda” proper to her face! Fez carries his relationship together with her in disgrace, however this can be a character that doesn’t deserve vilification.

15 Saved: Jackie’s Household Goes Poor

Jackie enters That ‘70s Show as a spoiled socialite that’s used to a higher level of wealth and sophistication. This kind of character trope isn’t uncommon in a sitcom, however Jackie goes by means of a worthwhile metamorphosis when her household loses all of their cash and she or he turns into poor.

This transition for Jackie just isn’t solely entertaining in a comedic sense, however it additionally causes her to empathize with Donna and people round her which have much less. This marks an actual troublesome interval of change for the character, however Jackie turns into a greater, extra rounded individual when all is claimed and accomplished.

14 Hurt: The Existence And Failure Of That ‘80s Show

It’s commonplace for tv exhibits to aim to money in in the course of the peak of their reputation within the type of a spin-off collection that may piggyback on the established present’s success. That ‘70s Show chose to go that route with the aptly designed, That ‘80s Show. The spin-off series was set a decade later and followed Eric Forman’s cousin, Corey (All the time Sunny’s Glenn Howerton!).

That ‘80s Show checked out twenty-somethings in San Diego and, regardless of the flashy time interval, the collection failed to seek out an viewers and was canceled after 13 episodes. The fast failure of this present diluted That ‘70s Show model in some methods and humbled the collection.

13 Saved: Jackie And Hyde’s Relationship

Sitcoms can typically regularly gravitate again to the preliminary relationships that kicked off a collection. Returning to roots on this sense can typically work, however on different events, there’s much more potential in a loopy pairing that was sudden. Jackie and Kelso had a highly regarded dynamic within the collection, so Jackie’s pivot to Hyde marked a serious change.

What at first appears unusual grows into one thing very earnest and candy and each Jackie and Hyde turn out to be higher people within the course of. These two simply click on in an odd means and it blossoms into one of many present’s greatest romances.

12 Hurt: Fez’ Relationship With Nina

Granted, That ‘70s Show takes place in a time where people were a lot less progressive, but this is still supposed to be a comedy at the end of the day. Whenever the series leans into the more embarrassing, bigoted notions of the ‘70s, it’s sometimes an event to wince.

What goes down with Nina is absolutely dangerous. Not solely is she Fez’ boss on the DMV, nevertheless it seems that her mother and father are close-minded and the one cause that she dates Fez is to infuriate them. It’s a heavy plot that simply sinks.

11 Saved: Kelso And Brooke’s Youngster

Pregnancies and marriages can typically be the mark of desperation for a collection, however That ‘70s Show pulled off one thing particular with the information that Kelso had irresponsibly develop into a father. This storyline begins in typical Kelso style, however as time goes on it acts because the catalyst that helps the character really open his eyes.

Kelso at first turns his again on being a father, however in doing so he realizes that it’s precisely what he needs and begins to quiet down. It’s an consequence which will appear unimaginable when the present begins, nevertheless it’s dealt with so delicately.

10 Hurt: Hyde’s “Marriage” To Sam

Inexperienced card marriages are one sort of contrivance, however one other dangerous approach to convey marriage right into a story is thru some consuming and an evening that the character can’t even keep in mind. Hyde has all the time been a reasonably reckless character, however at one notably low level, he goes on a consuming spree in Vegas that leads to his supposed marriage to a dancer named Sam.

This marriage is foolish sufficient by itself, however Sam follows Hyde again house and makes his mission to fix his relationship with Jackie extremely problematic. It is plenty of contrived drama, Sam sticks round for much too lengthy, and in the long run, it seems they weren’t even actually married!

9 Saved: How The Collection Ends

It’s no secret that there’s some undoubtedly wonky timeline work at play in That ‘70s Show. Some years appear to span several seasons in a way that just doesn’t make sense. Whereas this timeline has by no means been too essential to the collection, as soon as the present wraps up its eighth season it begins to be clear why the present regularly dragged its ft with the yr.

It might sound past apparent on reflection, however the collection ends with the conclusion of the ‘70s as things roll into January 1st, 1980, and it’s completely good. There’s actually no extra becoming strategy to exit, so a stretched out timeline is an simply forgivable offense right here.

eight Hurt: Eric Leaves, Randy Joins

Arguably one of many largest grievances that That ‘70s Show fans have is when Eric Forman, the show’s central character, departs on the finish of the seventh season. Topher Grace’s exit from the present would appear like a wonderfully affordable time to finish the collection (particularly when it got here doubled with the departure of Ashton Kutcher), but this system boldly determined to ship yet one more season.

Randy’s shoehorned addition rubbed lots of people the flawed means, particularly since he simply units up store within the Forman basement. Moreover, the truth that Eric leaves to show youngsters in Africa, one thing that he’s by no means proven an curiosity in earlier than, seems like a sarcastic cause to go away.

7 Saved: Hyde Dwelling With The Formans

Some of the pleasurable dynamics all through That ‘70s Show’s run was the connection that Hyde shaped with the Forman household. Clearly, Eric and Hyde have been shut, however the Formans take him underneath their wing when life will get too intense and lift him as a de facto son. The methods through which the household brings Hyde into their life are lovely, however the moments the place Purple vouches for the child are particularly touching.

At first, it appeared like Hyde was simply sticking with the Formans out of comfort, nevertheless it quickly turned a touchstone relationship within the collection.

6 Hurt: Jackie And Fez Type A Relationship

It’s comprehensible for a present to get pretty unusual with its relationships when it goes on for therefore lengthy. It’s solely a matter of time for some packages to desperately attain for his or her “Joey and Rachel” second. Sadly, in That ‘70s Show’s case, Jackie is usually the feminine on this equation. Jackie and Fez’s relationship wouldn’t be so awkward if she hadn’t already been along with Kelso and Hyde. There’s a sure level the place restraint goes additional than drama and by the point Jackie and Fez get collectively, it simply feels bizarre. Psychologically, it additionally looks like Jackie have to be going by means of rather a lot at this level.

5 Saved: Eric and Donna’s Relationship

It might haven’t been too shocking when Eric and Donna lastly received collectively, however that didn’t make it any much less satisfying. This candy, naïve, trustworthy relationship obtained to develop together with the characters and the collection as an entire. Eric and Donna weren’t all the time collectively, nevertheless it’s a dynamic that the movies have been all the time hungry for and decided to see return within the collection.

There are many different robust romances within the collection, however this one is the spine of all of them. There’s such weight in that scene within the finale the place Eric returns to Donna.

four Saved: Pink And Kitty At A Swingers Get together

Although it was often the youthful era in That ‘70s Show that was the conduit for uncommon 70s experiences, there have been nonetheless events the place the mother and father have been concerned, sometimes with embarrassing outcomes. Pink and Kitty Forman are such good, excessive personalities so the thought of them getting caught up in a swingers key social gathering is simply too wealthy of a narrative alternative.

In fact, Pink and Kitty enter this example unwittingly and do not know what lies forward for them, which is one other layer that makes this bizarre 70s customized work so properly in sitcom type.

three Hurt: Donna’s Sisters

Typically fleshing out a personality by giving them siblings may be an impressed approach to get a special take a look at the characters. Eric’s sister, for example, is a curious foil for him by means of the primary few seasons of the present. Initially an analogous strategy was taken with Donna, however in her case, siblings turned out to be extra of a roadblock for the character.

Donna’s sister Tina seems early on within the collection and one other sister named Valerie additionally will get talked about, however then these sisters simply disappear. It’d be one factor if these siblings simply weren’t introduced up anymore, however Donna later is known as an solely baby. This might have been simply fastened.

2 Saved: The Gang Goes To A Curler Disco

The 70s was an enormous, influential period for music and That ‘70s Show was wise to make music a very important part of its DNA. Furthermore, if there’s any sort of music that’s emblematic of the 70s, it’s disco, so it’s satisfying to see that this comedy goes all in on the subject and embraces disco as a lot as a seventies-set sitcom ought to.

Eric and pals exit for an evening of dancing, which turns right into a zany disco journey. To make issues significantly extra 70s, it’s a curler disco, at that. Everyone seems to be in robust type right here (notably Fez) and the episode is a superb celebration of one thing that’s now typically mocked.

1 Hurt: Donna’s Relationship With Randy

If Randy’s alternative of Eric is egregious on one degree, it’s a fair higher injustice when Donna decides to hook up with him! It’s a choice that makes completely no sense. Simply because he’s Eric’s alternative doesn’t imply that Donna must be with him. Whereas the entire thing seems like an enormous disservice to Eric’s reminiscence, it additionally paints Donna in a deeply unflattering mild that’s not truthful to the character. The neatest thing to say about this ill-advised romance is that a minimum of it doesn’t final for that lengthy.

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There are all the main That ‘70s Show storylines that affected the show for both the better and the worse as far as we’re involved, however the place do you fall on all of this? Pontificate your opinions within the feedback under!